Hair care appliance

Abstract

A hair care appliance is described comprising a body having an axis around which hair is wound in use. The body has a plurality of regions distributed about an axis. The hair care appliance has a sensor arrangement configured to output a plurality of signals, each signal indicating the presence of hair at a respective one of the plurality of regions. The hair care appliance has a control unit configured to determine a direction in which the hair is wound around the body based on the plurality of signals.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a hair care device. Background Technology

[0002] Hair styling devices may include sensors for sensing the proximity of hair to the device. It is desirable for the device to gain further information about the interaction between the hair and the device. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to a first aspect of the invention, a hair care device is provided, comprising: a body having an axis around which hair wraps in use, the body having a plurality of regions distributed around the axis; a sensor arrangement configured to output a plurality of signals, each signal indicating the presence of hair in a corresponding region of the plurality of regions; and a control unit configured to determine the direction in which the hair wraps around the body based on the plurality of signals.

[0004] This allows the hair care device to determine the direction in which the hair is wrapped around the body. For example, to curl hair, a user can wrap a section of hair around the body of the hair care device. The user can wrap the hair around the body in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction (from a given perspective). Therefore, determining the direction in which the hair is wrapped around the body provides information about how the hair care device is currently being used. Furthermore, determining the direction in which the hair is wrapped around the body provides more granular information than, for example, simply determining that there is hair wrapped around the body. The current direction in which the hair is wrapped around the body is itself useful information about the current interaction between the hair and the hair care device. Moreover, this information can be used in a variety of different ways. For example, this can be used to control the operation of the hair care device, such as controlling the feedback provided to the user regarding the direction of hair wrapping and / or controlling the airflow provided in a certain direction around the body. Thus, an improved hair care device is provided.

[0005] In some examples, the sensor arrangement is configured to output a first signal indicating the presence of hair in a first region of a plurality of regions, and a second signal indicating the presence of hair in a second region of a plurality of regions; the first region and the second region are spaced less than 180 degrees apart about the axis; and the control unit is configured to determine the direction in which the hair wraps around the body based on the timing of one or more variations of each of the first signal and the second signal.

[0006] This allows orientation to be determined based on two signals associated with two regions. This minimizes the number of signals required for determination, allowing for rapid and / or efficient orientation determination by the control unit. Furthermore, this allows the sensor arrangement to include two sensors, one for the first region and one for the second region. This allows orientation determination while minimizing the cost, weight, size, and / or power consumption of the sensor arrangement. The first and second regions being spaced less than 180 degrees around the axis (i.e., angles beyond 180 degrees) allows orientation to be determined based on the timing of changes in each of the first and second signals. In some examples, orientation can be determined based on the time of change of the first signal relative to the time of change of the second signal. For example, the second region can be positioned 45 degrees clockwise (from a given viewing angle) around the axis from the first region. If there is a relatively small time gap between the changes in the first and second signals, it can be inferred that the hair is wrapped around the body in a clockwise direction (from a given viewing angle). However, if there is a relatively large time gap between the changes in the first and second signals, it can be inferred that the hair is wrapped around the body in a counter-clockwise direction (from a given viewing angle). This allows orientation to be determined based on a single change in each of the first and second signals, providing rapid and / or efficient processing by the control unit.

[0007] In some examples, the control unit is configured to determine the direction of the hair wrapping around the body based on: the time between a first change in a first signal indicating the presence of hair in a first region and a first change in a second signal indicating the presence of hair in a second region; and the time between a first change in a second signal indicating the presence of hair in the second region and a second change in a first signal indicating the presence of additional hair in the first region.

[0008] This allows for robustness to variations in winding speed among different users. Therefore, it allows for flexible determination of the direction in which the hair is wound around the body. For example, a second region can be positioned 45 degrees clockwise (from a given viewpoint) from the first region. As the user wraps the hair around the body, a first signal can change (e.g., increase) at a first time, a second signal can change (e.g., increase) at a second time, and the first signal can change again (e.g., increase) at a third time after the hair has completed one full wrap around the body. If the difference between the first and second times is less than the difference between the second and third times, it can be inferred that the hair is wrapped clockwise (from a given viewpoint). However, if the difference between the first and second times is greater than the difference between the second and third times, it can be inferred that the hair is wrapped counterclockwise (from a given viewpoint). Therefore, reliable and / or flexible determination of direction can be provided.

[0009] In some examples, the first and second regions can be spaced apart by an angle ranging from 45 to 135 degrees around the axis, for example, 90 degrees. It has been found that this range allows for sufficiently large time gaps between the first and second changes of the first and second signals, and between the first and second changes of the second signal, to be reliably determined within typical winding speed ranges. Furthermore, it has been found that this range allows for sufficiently large differences in these time gaps, thereby allowing for reliable determination of the winding direction within typical winding speed ranges. Therefore, reliable determination of the direction can be provided.

[0010] In some examples, the body has at least three regions distributed around an axis; the sensor arrangement is configured to output at least three signals, each signal indicating the presence of hair in a corresponding region of the at least three regions; and the control unit is configured to determine the direction in which the hair wraps around the body based on the order in which the at least three signals change.

[0011] This allows for relatively efficient direction determination. For example, a first, second, and third region can be distributed sequentially around an axis, such that the second region is clockwise relative to the first region (from a given viewpoint), and the third region is clockwise relative to the second region (from a given viewpoint). If a change (e.g., an increase) in a first signal associated with the first region is followed by a change (e.g., an increase) in a second signal associated with the second region, and then a change (e.g., an increase) in a third signal associated with the third region, the control unit can infer that the direction in which the hair wraps around the body is clockwise (from a given viewpoint). However, if the changes in the signals are in the reverse order, the control unit can infer that the direction in which the hair wraps around the body is counterclockwise (from a given viewpoint). Determining direction based on the order of changes allows the control unit to determine direction relatively efficiently (e.g., without having to determine and compare the time intervals between changes).

[0012] In some examples, the control unit is configured to restart determining the direction in which the hair is wrapped around the body based on the time between a change in one of the multiple signals and a change in another of the multiple signals being greater than a first threshold.

[0013] This allows for determining the current direction in which the hair is wrapped around the body. For example, if there is a long gap between two changes, the control unit can infer that the former change is associated with a previous wrapping of hair around the body, and the latter change is associated with a new wrapping of hair around the body. Therefore, restarting the direction determination from the latter change helps ensure that the control unit determines the current direction in which the hair is wrapped around the body. In other examples, the control unit is configured to restart the direction determination in response to each of a plurality of signals indicating that there is no hair in a plurality of areas. For example, this could correspond to the case where there is no hair at the body, and the control unit can infer that the next change in one of the signals will represent a new wrapping of hair around the body. Robust direction determination can thus be provided.

[0014] In some examples, the control unit is configured to control the operation of the hair care device based on the determination of the direction in which the hair is wrapped around the body. This allows the hair care device to be operated based on the determined direction.

[0015] In some examples, the hair care appliance includes a feedback device configured to provide feedback to the user of the hair care appliance in use, and a control unit configured to control the feedback device to provide feedback to the user based on the determined direction of the hair wrapping body.

[0016] This allows hair styling tools to guide users in their use. For example, it can help users operate the hair styling tool in a desired manner or to achieve a specific style. In examples, the feedback device may include a display configured to show feedback to the user, a speaker configured to generate sound to convey the feedback to the user, and / or a haptic device configured to generate haptic feedback to the user. In examples, the feedback may indicate whether the determined direction in which the hair is wrapped around the body conforms to a specific style. For example, it is possible that, depending on the selected specific style, the hair should curl in a first direction around the body, away from the face of the person whose hair is being styled. If the control unit determines that the hair is wrapped in a direction opposite to the first direction, the control unit may control the feedback device to convey to the user that the current wrapping of the hair does not conform to the selected specific style. This can guide the user to rewrap the hair around the body, but this time in the first direction, to achieve the selected specific style. Other examples are possible. This feedback allows for improved interaction between the user and the hair styling tool and helps the user use the hair styling tool to achieve a specific style.

[0017] In some examples, the control unit is configured to: determine whether the direction of the determined hair-wrapping body matches a predetermined direction; and control the feedback device to provide feedback indicating whether the direction of the determined hair-wrapping body matches the predetermined direction.

[0018] This allows hair styling tools to guide users in achieving a specific curl direction. For example, a user can input a desired curl direction, or infer a desired curl direction from a selected specific style. This can be used as a predetermined direction. If the determined direction matches the predetermined direction, the control unit can control the feedback device to provide the user with first feedback (such as specific light, sound, and / or tactile feedback), instructing the user to wrap the hair around the body in the same direction as the predetermined direction. This gives the user confidence to continue wrapping the hair in that direction. If the determined direction does not match the predetermined direction, the control unit can control the feedback device to provide the user with second feedback (such as different specific light, sound, and / or tactile feedback), instructing the user to wrap the hair around the body in a different direction than the predetermined direction. This prompts the user to untangle the hair from the body and wrap it around the body in the opposite direction. This can help the user achieve a specific curl or style.

[0019] In some examples, the hair care appliance includes an input interface configured to receive user input, and wherein the control unit is configured to determine a predetermined direction based on the received user input.

[0020] This allows users to input the specific curl direction or style they want for their hair. This allows hair care tools to guide the user's operation of the tools to achieve the desired result. In this example, the input interface may include one or more buttons and / or a touchscreen. Other examples are possible. This can help users achieve their desired style.

[0021] In some examples, the input interface is configured to receive user input indicating that the hair care appliance will be used with one side of the person's head, and the control unit is configured to determine a predetermined direction based on the received user input indicating the side of the person's head.

[0022] This helps users achieve their desired style. For example, user input can indicate the side of the face where the hair to be curled is located. For instance, a user can input that they want to curl the hair on the right side of the face (from the person's perspective). The control unit can then infer that, to ensure the hair curls away from the face, the predetermined direction should be counter-clockwise (from the perspective of the hair care device's handle). In this case, if the control unit determines that the direction the hair is wrapped around the body is clockwise (from the perspective of the hair care device's handle), the control unit can activate the feedback device to indicate that the hair is being curled in the wrong direction.

[0023] In some examples, the input interface is configured to receive user input indicating a style to be achieved by using a hair care tool, and the control unit is configured to determine a predetermined direction based on the received user input indicating the style to be achieved.

[0024] This can help guide users in using hair care tools to achieve a specific style. For example, the input interface can allow users to select one of several styles. For instance, the first style might involve curling the hair in a first direction. The control unit can infer from the selection of the first style that the hair will curl in the first direction and can accordingly set the predetermined direction to the first direction.

[0025] In some examples, the hair care appliance includes an airflow generator configured to generate airflow and an element configured to direct the generated airflow around the body, and a control unit configured to control the element to direct the airflow around the body in a direction that matches the direction in which the hair is wrapped around the body.

[0026] This reduces "spray" of hair caused by airflow (i.e., hair that separates from the main part of the curl). For example, the hair care device can be configured to provide a "cold spray" (i.e., an unheated airflow) to the hair strands wrapped around the body to set the curl. The element (e.g., a valve or fin) can be configured to direct the airflow around the body or tangentially away from the body in a clockwise direction (from a given viewpoint) or counterclockwise direction (from a given viewpoint). If the control unit determines that the hair is wrapped around the body in a clockwise direction (from a given viewpoint), the control unit can control the element to direct the airflow in a clockwise direction (from a given viewpoint). If the control unit determines that the hair is wrapped around the body in a counterclockwise direction (from a given viewpoint), the control unit can control the element to direct the airflow instead of in a counterclockwise direction. In this way, the airflow (e.g., providing a "cold spray") is in the same direction as the curl, thus reducing the separation of hair from the curl. Therefore, the curl can be formed more precisely.

[0027] In some examples, the sensor arrangement includes multiple sensors, each located in a corresponding area of ​​multiple regions, and configured to output one of multiple signals.

[0028] This can provide a robust way to provide multiple signals. For example, each sensor can output a signal independently of the others. This can, for example, allow for a clear and reliable signal about the presence of hair in each area. Furthermore, this allows for robustness in the event of a failure of one of the sensors.

[0029] In some examples, one or more sensors in the sensor array are non-contact sensors.

[0030] For example, a non-contact sensor can be configured to output a signal indicating the presence of hair at the sensor, without the hair having physical contact with the sensor itself. Examples of non-contact sensors include capacitive sensors (e.g., self-capacitance or mutual-capacitance sensors), optical sensors, and ultrasonic sensors. In some examples, one or more of the sensors can be contact sensors, i.e., sensors configured to output a signal indicating the presence of an object only when the object physically contacts the sensor itself. Examples of contact sensors include touch sensors, force sensors, and pressure sensors. Another example of a contact sensor is an element coupled to a temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of the element, and contact between an object and the element causes a change in the element's temperature, resulting in a change in the signal output by the temperature sensor. Other types of sensors can be used.

[0031] Non-contact sensors allow the presence of hair to be detected even when the hair is not physically in contact with the sensor. This allows the sensor to be placed on the outer surface of the hair care appliance, which could otherwise interrupt its operation.

[0032] In some examples, each signal includes a time-series value, or the control unit samples each signal as a time-series value, and each value indicates the extent to which hair is present in the corresponding region at a given time.

[0033] This allows the determination to be easily performed by a microcontroller or other computer processor, providing an inexpensive, simple, flexible, and / or lightweight device for determining direction. This is possible, for example, compared to using hardwired circuit logic, although in some other examples hardwired circuit logic can still be used. In some examples, the control unit can determine that a change in a given signal has occurred based on the gradient of the time series values ​​being greater than a threshold. This allows for robust direction determination, for example, by filtering out small and / or slow changes associated with background noise.

[0034] In some examples, one or more signals output by a sensor array indicate the presence of hair at one or more corresponding regions, each region having a corresponding position along an axis; and the control unit is configured to determine the amount of hair wrapped around the body based on multiple variations of the one or more signals.

[0035] This allows for the determination of the number of strands wrapped around the hair. This provides further information about the interaction between the hair and the hair care appliance, which is useful in itself. Furthermore, this information can be used in different ways. For example, the control unit can be configured to control the operation of the hair care appliance based on the determined number of strands wrapped around the body. This could be used, for example, to control a feedback device to provide feedback to the user and / or to control the temperature of the heater in the hair care appliance. Other examples are possible. This can provide further improvements to the hair care appliance.

[0036] According to a second aspect of the invention, a method is provided for determining the direction in which hair is wound around a body of a hair care device, the body having an axis around which hair is wound, the body having a plurality of regions distributed around the axis, the method comprising: receiving a plurality of signals, each signal indicating the presence of hair at a corresponding region among the plurality of regions; and determining the direction in which the hair is wound around the body based on the plurality of signals.

[0037] This can allow for advantages similar to those described above with reference to the first aspect. In some examples, the method may include controlling the operation of the hair care appliance based on determining the direction in which the hair is wrapped around the body. This may be the same as or similar to that described above with reference to the first aspect. In some examples, the method may be performed by a control unit of the hair care appliance. In some examples, the control unit may be the same as that described above with reference to the first aspect. In some examples, the control unit may be located in the main part of the hair care appliance (e.g., the handle). In some examples, signals may be received from an accessory, such as an accessory including the body, which may be attached to and / or detached from the main part. This can allow for improved flexibility in the functionality of the hair care appliance. For example, signals may be received wirelessly or via wires or conductive rails. In some examples, the method may be performed by a separate entity, for example, remote from the hair care appliance. For example, signals may be sent to and received by a remote processor, and may be determined by the remote processor. In some examples, the result of the determination may be sent to and received by the hair care appliance, which may then control the operation of the hair care appliance, for example, based on the determination. Attached Figure Description

[0038] Further features and advantages will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0039] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing a side view of a hair care appliance according to an example;

[0040] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a cross-sectional view of a hair care tool;

[0041] Figure 3It is a schematic graph showing the curve of the signal output by the sensor as a function of time, according to the example;

[0042] Figure 4a It is a schematic graph showing the gradient curves of two signals output by the corresponding sensors as a function of time, according to an example.

[0043] Figure 4b It is a schematic graph showing the gradient of two signals output by corresponding sensors as a function of time, according to another example;

[0044] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing a cross-sectional view of a hair care appliance according to another example;

[0045] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing a cross-sectional view of a hair care appliance according to another example;

[0046] Figure 7 It is a schematic graph showing the curve of the signal output by the sensor as a function of time, according to another example;

[0047] Figure 8a This is a schematic diagram showing a side view of a hair care appliance according to another example;

[0048] Figure 8b It is a schematic graph showing the curve of the signal output by the corresponding sensor as a function of time, according to the example;

[0049] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a control unit according to an example; and

[0050] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the method according to the example.

[0051] As used herein, the same reference numerals denote the same features. Detailed Implementation

[0052] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The image shows a hair care appliance 102 based on an example.

[0053] Hair styling appliance 102 includes a body 104 having an axis A around which hair wraps during use. The body 104 has multiple regions 108, 110 distributed around the axis A. The hair styling appliance 102 includes a sensor arrangement 112. The sensor arrangement 112 is configured to output multiple signals, each indicating the presence of hair at a corresponding region 108, 110 of the body 104. The hair styling appliance 102 includes a control unit 120. As described in more detail below, the control unit 120 is configured to determine the direction in which the hair wraps around the body 104 based on the multiple signals.

[0054] Hair styling tool 102 is used to curl hair. Hair styling tool 102 includes a main part 106, and a body 104 is configured as an attachment 104 that can be attached to and / or detached from the main part 106. The main part 106 provides a handle for the hair styling tool 102. The body 104 is generally cylindrical in form. The body 104 is elongated along axis A. The body 104 includes one or more heating elements 121, which are controlled by a control unit 120 to heat the body 104 or at least its outer surface. When hair is wrapped around the body 104 along axis A, the heat provided by the body can be used to style the hair into curls. Therefore, a user can use the hair styling tool 102 to style their hair.

[0055] Hair care appliance 102 includes an input interface 126 configured to receive user input. For example, input interface 126 may allow a user to input a specific curl direction or style they want to curl their hair, or the side of the face where the hair to be curled is located. In this example, input interface 126 may include one or more buttons and / or a touchscreen. Other input interfaces are possible.

[0056] The hair care appliance 102 includes a feedback device 124 configured to provide feedback to a user of the hair care appliance 102 during use. In this example, the feedback device 124 includes a display 125 configured to show feedback to the user. For example, the display 125 may include an LED screen, etc. In this example, the feedback device 124 may alternatively or additionally include a speaker (not shown) configured to generate sound to convey feedback to the user, and / or a haptic device (not shown) configured to generate haptic feedback to the user. Using the feedback device 124, the hair care appliance 102 can provide feedback to the user during use to guide the user's operation of the hair care appliance. In some examples, the input interface 126 and the feedback device 214 may be provided by the same device, such as a touch screen display.

[0057] Each region 108, 110 is elongated along axis A. Each region 108, 110 extends only partially around axis A. In this example, there are two regions 108, 110, specifically, a first region 108 and a second region 110. More than two regions can be used.

[0058] As described above, the hair care appliance 102 includes a sensor arrangement 112 configured to output a plurality of signals, each indicating the presence of hair in a corresponding region 108, 110 of the body 104. In this example, the sensor arrangement 112 is configured to output a first signal indicating the presence of hair in a first region 108 and a second signal indicating the presence of hair in a second region 110. In this example, the sensor arrangement 112 includes a plurality of sensors 114, 116, each sensor 114, 116 located in a corresponding region 114, 116 of the body 104 and configured to output one of the plurality of signals. In this example, each sensor 114, 116 is positioned to sense radially outward from the body 104 (i.e., radially outward from the region 108, 110 corresponding to the sensor). In some examples, one or more of the sensors 114, 116 may be non-contact sensors. For example, a non-contact sensor can be configured to output a signal indicating the presence of hair 230 at sensors 114, 116, without the hair 230 needing to be in physical contact with sensors 114, 116. Examples of non-contact sensors include capacitive sensors (e.g., self-capacitance or mutual-capacitance sensors), light sensors, and ultrasonic sensors. In other examples, one or more of sensors 114, 116 can be contact sensors, i.e., sensors configured to output a signal indicating the presence of hair 230 at sensors 114, 116 only when the hair is in physical contact with the sensor itself. Examples of contact sensors include touch sensors (e.g., capacitive or resistive sensors), force sensors, and pressure sensors. Another example of a contact sensor is an element coupled to a temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of the element, and contact between an object and the element causes a change in the element's temperature, resulting in a change in the signal output by the temperature sensor. Other types of sensors can be used. In some examples, one or more of sensors 114, 116 can be any sensor whose output is affected by the presence of hair. For example, when regions 114 and 116 are heated, a high-temperature resistant sensor (such as a heating element connected to the temperature sensor mentioned above) can be selected.

[0059] In some examples, each signal may be non-binary, for example, having a range or continuous value. For example, the amplitude or oscillation of each signal may indicate the proximity of hair 230 to corresponding regions 108, 110, or otherwise indicate the extent to which hair 230 is present in corresponding regions 108, 110. In some examples, each signal includes a time-series value, or the control unit 120 may sample each signal as a time-series value, and each value indicates the extent to which hair 230 is present in corresponding regions 108, 110 at a given time. In other examples, each signal may be binary. For example, each signal may be logic low when hair is not present in corresponding regions 108, 110, and logic high when hair 230 is present in corresponding regions 108, 110. In some examples, hair present in regions 108, 110 may correspond to hair 230 that is close to or near regions 108, 110. In other examples, hair 230 present in a region may correspond to hair 230 that is in contact with region 108, 110.

[0060] Sensor arrangement 112 can be connected to control unit 120 via wired or wireless means to provide multiple signals to control unit 120. In an example where body 104 is provided as an accessory and control unit 120 is located within main portion 106, body 104 and main portion 106 can be connected, either wired or wireless, through which signals can be transmitted from sensor arrangement 112 to control unit 120. In some examples, sensor arrangement 112 may include sensors 114, 116, and the signal output by each sensor may be provided directly to control unit 120 as multiple signals. In other examples, sensor arrangement 112 may include sensors 114, 116 and a multi-channel reader (not shown), and multiple signals may be provided to control unit 120 by the multi-channel reader (not shown). For example, the multi-channel reader may sample each signal output by the sensors as a time-series value and provide these time-series values ​​as multiple signals to control unit 120. In any case, sensor arrangement 112 is configured to output multiple signals, each indicating the presence of hair at a corresponding region 108, 110 of body 104.

[0061] Figure 3One of the signals output by sensor arrangement 112 as a function of time is shown according to an example. This signal indicates the presence of hair in a first region 108. Specifically, this signal is output by sensor 114 corresponding to the first region 108. Before time t1, the hair is not present in the first region 108. Therefore, before t1, the signal has a relatively low value R1, indicating that hair is not present in the first region. At t1, the hair becomes present in the first region 108. Therefore, at t1, the signal changes, specifically increasing ΔR to a relatively high value R2. This indicates that hair is present in the first region 108. After t1, the hair remains present in the first region. Therefore, the signal remains at R2. This indicates that hair is still present in the first region 108. Control unit 120 analyzes the signal to determine that the change ΔR occurs, and thus determines that hair is present in the first region 104.

[0062] As mentioned above, in Figure 1 and Figure 2 In this example, sensor arrangement 112 is configured to output a first signal indicating the presence of hair in a first region 104 and a second signal indicating the presence of hair in a second region 110. Specifically, in this example, a first sensor 114 is located in the first region 108 and configured to output a first signal indicating the presence of hair in the first region 108, and a second sensor 116 is located in the second region 110 and configured to output a second signal indicating the presence of hair in the second region 110. Furthermore, in this example, the first region 108 / first sensor 114 and the second region 110 / second sensor 116 are spaced less than 180 degrees around an axis. That is, the first region 108 / first sensor 114 and the second region 110 / second sensor 116 are spaced apart from each other by an angle different than 180 degrees around an axis. Specifically, in this example, the first region 108 / first sensor 114 and the second region 110 / second sensor 116 are spaced apart by an angle in the range of 45 to 135 degrees around axis A. Specifically, as Figure 2 As best shown in the example, in this case, the first region 108 / first sensor 114 and the second region 110 / second sensor 116 are spaced 90 degrees apart around axis A. More specifically, the second region 110 / second sensor 116 is clockwise around axis A (in... Figure 2 In a sense, it is 90 degrees apart from the first region 108 / first sensor 114. As a result, in Figure 2 In this sense, the distance between the first region 108 / first sensor 114 and the second region 110 / second region 116 in the clockwise direction around the circumference of the body 104 is less than the distance between the second region 110 / second region 116 and the first region 108 / first sensor 114.

[0063] In this example, the control unit 120 is configured to determine the direction in which the hair is wrapped around the body 104 based on the timing of one or more variations of each of the first and second signals. Specifically, refer to Figure 4a and 4b The diagram shows a graph of the gradient of the signal output from each of the first sensor 114 and the second sensor 116 as a function of time. It should be understood that a positive spike or peak in the signal gradient corresponds to a change in the signal, particularly an increase, and thus indicates the presence of hair at regions 108 and 110 associated with the signal. Figure 4a The hair is shown clockwise (in) Figure 2 (In the sense of) the situation of being wrapped around the main body 104. Figure 4b The hair is shown wrapped counterclockwise around the body 104 (in Figure 2 In the sense of... Figure 4a and Figure 4b In each of the regions, solid bars represent peak values ​​in the gradient of the signal associated with the first region 108 / first sensor 114, and hollow bars represent positive spikes or peak values ​​in the gradient of the signal associated with the second region 110 / second sensor 116.

[0064] First refer to Figure 4a At a first time t1, a first change in the first signal indicates the presence of hair in the first region 108. This is represented by a first peak associated with the first region 108 at t1. After this, at a second time t2, a first change in the second signal indicates the presence of hair in the second region 110. This is represented by a first peak associated with the second region 110 at t2. After this, at a third time t3, a second change in the first signal indicates the presence of additional hair in the first region 108. This is represented by a second peak associated with the first region 108 at t3. After this, at a fourth time t4, a second change in the second signal indicates the presence of additional hair in the second region 110. This is represented by a second peak associated with the second region 110 at t4.

[0065] exist Figure 4a In the example, the first time difference Δt1 between the first change of the first signal at t1 and the first change of the second signal at t2 is less than the second time difference Δt2 between the first change of the second signal at t2 and the second change of the first signal at t3. Assuming that in... Figure 2 In the sense that the distance between the first region 108 / first sensor 114 and the second region 110 / second sensor 116 in a clockwise direction around the circumference of the body 104 is less than the distance between the second region 110 / second sensor 116 and the first region 108 / first sensor 114, the control unit 120 infers that the hair is wrapped clockwise around the body 104 (in Figure 2 In the sense of (the meaning of the example). In the example, the control unit 120 can be configured to determine that, when Δt1 < Δt2, the hair wraps around the body 104 in a clockwise direction (in the case of Δt1 < Δt2). Figure 2 (In the sense of) entanglement.

[0066] See Figure 4b At a first time t1', a first change occurs in the first signal, indicating the presence of hair in the first region 108. This is represented by a first peak associated with the first region 108 at t1'. Subsequently, at a second time t2', a first change occurs in the second signal, indicating the presence of hair in the second region 110. This is represented by a first peak associated with the second region 110 at time t2'. Subsequently, at a third time t3', a second change occurs in the first signal, indicating the presence of more hair in the first region 108. This is represented by a second peak associated with the first region 108 at t3'. Subsequently, at a fourth time t4', a second change occurs in the second signal, indicating the presence of more hair in the second region 110. This is represented by a second peak associated with the second region 110 at t4'.

[0067] exist Figure 4b In the example, the first time difference Δt1' between the first change of the first signal at t1' and the first change of the second signal at t2' is greater than the second time difference Δt2' between the first change of the second signal at t2' and the second change of the first signal at t3'. In this case, the control unit 120 infers that the hair is wrapped counterclockwise around the body 104 (in Figure 2 In the sense of... In the example, the control unit 120 can be configured to determine that, in the case of Δt1>Δt2, the hair wraps around the body 104 in a counterclockwise direction (in... Figure 2 (In the sense of) entanglement.

[0068] In the example, the control unit 120 may restart the determination of the direction in which hair is wrapped around the body 104 in response to each of a plurality of signals indicating that no hair is present in a plurality of regions. For example, this may correspond to the case where no hair is present at the body 104, and the control unit 120 may infer that the next change in one of the signals will indicate new hair wrapping around the body 104.

[0069] Alternatively or additionally, in this example, control unit 120 may be configured to restart the determination of the direction in which hair is wrapped around body 104 based on a time interval between a change in one of the multiple signals and a change in another of the multiple signals being greater than a first threshold. For example, if there is a relatively long interval (e.g., more than a few seconds, such as five seconds) between a change in the first of the multiple signals and a change in another of any of the multiple signals, control unit 120 may infer that the former change relates to hair previously wrapped around body 104, and the latter change relates to hair newly wrapped around body 104. This can help control unit 120 determine the current direction in which hair is wrapped around body 104, 504, even if not all signals indicate the absence of hair in multiple areas.

[0070] In some examples, the control unit 120 is configured to control the operation of the hair care appliance 102 based on the determination of the direction in which the hair is wrapped around the body 104.

[0071] As an example, the control unit 120 can control the feedback device 124 to provide feedback to the user based on the determined direction in which the hair is wrapped around the body 104. For example, the control unit 120 can determine whether the determined direction of the hair wrapped around the body 104 matches a predetermined direction and control the feedback device 124 to provide feedback indicating whether the determined direction of the hair wrapped around the body matches the predetermined direction. If the determined direction matches the predetermined direction, the control unit 120 can control the feedback device 124 to provide the user with first feedback (e.g., a specific light), which indicates that the user is wrapping the hair around the body 104 in a direction that matches the predetermined direction. If the determined direction does not match the predetermined direction, the control unit 120 can control the feedback device 124 to provide the user with second feedback (e.g., a different specific light), which indicates that the user is wrapping the hair around the body 104 in a direction that does not match the predetermined direction. This can guide the user to operate the hair care appliance 102 as intended.

[0072] In this example, control unit 102 may be configured to determine a predetermined direction based on user input received by input interface 126. For example, input interface 126 may allow a user to select or otherwise input a specific curl direction they wish to achieve. Control unit 120 may set the predetermined direction to match the input specific curl direction. As another example, input interface 126 may allow a user to select or otherwise provide input indicating a style intended to be achieved by using hair care appliance 102. Control unit 120 may be configured to determine the predetermined direction based on the received user input indicating a style to be achieved. For example, input interface 126 may allow a user to select one of several styles. For example, a first style may involve curling the hair in a first direction. Control unit can infer from the selection of the first style that the hair will curl in the first direction and may accordingly set the predetermined direction to match the first direction. As another example, input interface 126 may allow a user to select or otherwise provide input indicating one side of the head or face of a person to be used with hair care appliance 102. In this case, control unit 120 may determine the predetermined direction based on the received user input indicating the side of the person's head or face. For example, depending on a specific style or other method, the hair may be curled in a direction away from the face of the person whose hair is being curled. The user can input that they want to curl the hair on the right side of the person's face (from the person's perspective). The control unit 120 can thus infer that, to ensure the hair curls away from the person's face, the predetermined direction should be counter-clockwise (from the perspective of the main unit 106 of the hair care device towards the main body 104). Conversely, the user can input that they want to curl the hair on the left side of the person's face, and the control unit 120 can determine that the predetermined direction is clockwise (from the perspective of the main unit 106 of the hair care device towards the main body 104).

[0073] In the example above, the body 104 has two regions 108 and 110, and the direction in which the hair wraps around the body 104 is determined based on the time between signals. However, referring to... Figure 5 The image shows a hair care appliance 502 according to another example. Figure 5 The hair care tool 502 can be referenced above. Figures 1 to 4b The described hair care appliance 102 is the same as or similar to (i.e., it may have at least some or all of the same or similar parts or functions), except that... Figure 5In the hair care appliance 502, the main body 504 has at least three of the regions 508, 510, and 512 distributed around axis A. Specifically, in this example, the main body 504 has three regions 508, 510, and 512 evenly distributed around axis A. In this example, the sensor arrangement is configured to output at least three signals, each signal indicating the presence of hair in a corresponding region of the at least three regions 508, 510, and 512. Specifically, in this example, the sensor arrangement includes three sensors 514, 516, and 518, each sensor located in a corresponding region of the three regions 508, 510, and 512. In this example, the control unit 120 may alternatively or additionally be configured to determine the direction in which hair is wrapped around the main body 504 based on the sequence of changes in the at least three signals.

[0074] Specifically, in this example, the first region 508, the second region 510, and the third region 512 are distributed sequentially around axis A, such that the second region 510 is clockwise relative to the first region 508 around axis A (in... Figure 5 In the sense of), and the third region 512 is clockwise relative to the second region 510 around the axis (in Figure 5 In the sense of (e.g., if a change (e.g., an increase) in the first signal associated with the first region 508 is followed by a change (e.g., an increase) in the second signal associated with the second region 510, and then by a change (e.g., an increase) in the third signal associated with the third region 512, the control unit infers that the direction in which the hair wraps around the body 104 is clockwise (in the sense of (e.g., in ... Figure 5 In a sense. However, if the signal changes in the reverse order, the control unit infers that the direction in which the hair wraps around the body 104 is counterclockwise (in the sense of clockwise). Figure 5 In a sense.

[0075] In some examples, the control unit 120 may be configured to determine the direction in which the hair is wrapped around the body 504 based on the timing between changes in signals output by any two or more of the sensors 514, 516, 518, for example, with reference to the above. Figures 1 to 4b The same approach, and / or based on the order or sequence of changes, such as those mentioned above. Figure 5 As stated above.

[0076] In the above example, it is described that the control unit 102 can control the feedback device 124 based on the determined direction in which the hair is wrapped around the body 104. However, in other examples, the control unit 102 may alternatively or additionally control other operations of the hair care appliance 102 based on the determined direction in which the hair is wrapped around the body 104. For example, refer to... Figure 6 The image shows a hair care appliance 602 according to an example. Hair care appliance 602 can be used with the hair care appliance described above. Figures 1 to 5 The hair care appliances 102, 502 described in any example are identical or similar (i.e., they may have at least some or all of the same or similar parts or functions). However, in this example, hair care appliance 602 includes an airflow generator 660 configured to generate airflow and an element 662 configured to guide the generated airflow around the body 104. The generated airflow can be used to provide a “cold spray” (i.e., an unheated flow of air) to the hair strands wrapped around the body to set curls. For example, the airflow generator 660 may include a motor configured to drive an impeller (not shown) and may be located in the main part or handle of hair care appliance 602. Figure 6 (Not shown in the image). An airflow generator 660 is operable to draw in air from an air inlet 664 in the main body of the hair care appliance 602 and supply the generated airflow to an element 662, which may be located in the main body of the hair care appliance 602 or in the body 604. The element 662 is operable to rotate clockwise around the body 604 (see image). Figure 6 Arrow D in the middle) or counterclockwise (see arrow ... Figure 6 Arrow E in the diagram guides the airflow. Specifically, in this example, the body 604 includes a first set of air outlets 664 and a second set of air outlets 666, the first set of air outlets 664 being arranged around the body 604 in a clockwise direction (in the... Figure 6 In a sense, the airflow is guided tangentially away from the main body 604, and the second set of air outlets 666 are arranged around the main body 604 in a counterclockwise direction (in the sense of...). Figure 6 In the sense of the subject, the airflow is guided tangentially away from the body. Element 662 is operable to provide the generated airflow to a first set of air outlets 664 or a second set of air outlets 666. For example, element 662 may be provided by one or more valves operable to allow or restrict airflow to the outlet group, or, for example, by fins operable to direct airflow to one or another set of outlets. If control unit 120 determines that the hair is in a clockwise direction (in the sense of the subject), the airflow is directed tangentially away from the body. Figure 6 In the sense of the word, the element 662 is wrapped around the main body, so the control unit 120 can control the element 662 to rotate clockwise (in the direction of the main body). Figure 6 In the sense of the control unit 120, airflow is guided, for example, by the control element 662 providing or guiding the generated airflow to the first set of outlets 664. If the control unit 120 determines that the hair is in a counterclockwise direction (in the sense of the control element 120), the airflow is guided, for example, by the control element 662 providing or guiding the generated airflow to the first set of outlets 664. Figure 6 If the airflow is wrapped around the body in the same direction as the curling hair, the control unit 120 can control element 662 to guide the airflow in a counterclockwise direction, for example, by providing or guiding the generated airflow to the second set of outlets 666 through control element 662. In this way, the airflow (e.g., providing "cold spray") can be in the same direction as the curling hair, thereby reducing the separation of hair from the curling hair.

[0077] Refer to the above Figures 1 to 6In the described examples, the bodies 104, 504, and 604 of hair care appliances 102, 502, and 602 are in the form of cylinders, and the areas are distributed around the circumference of the cylinder. However, it should be understood that this is not necessarily the case, and in other examples, other forms of bodies and other distributions of the body's areas may be used. For example, bodies with triangular, square, pentagonal, or any polygonal cross-section may be used, and these areas may be distributed around the body.

[0078] Refer to the above Figures 1 to 6 In the described example, control unit 120 is configured to determine the direction in which the hair wraps around bodies 104, 504, and 604. In some examples, control unit 120 may also be configured to determine the number of wraps of hair around bodies 104, 504, and 604 based on multiple variations of one or more signals. For example, one complete loop or rotation of the hair strand around bodies 104, 504, and 604 may be equivalent to one wrap of hair around bodies 104, 504, and 604. Accordingly, multiple complete loops or rotations of hair around bodies 104, 504, and 604 may be equivalent to multiple wraps around the bodies. A user may wrap the hair strand around the body once, for example, to produce a curl with only one loop. Conversely, a user may wrap the hair strand around body 104 multiple times, for example, two, three, four, five, etc., to produce a curl with multiple loops.

[0079] refer to Figure 7 The graph shows a curve indicating the presence of hair at the first regions 108, 508 as a function of time. Specifically, Figure 7 The graph illustrates the signal 770 output by the first sensors 114 and 514 as a function of time. Before the first time T1, no hair is present in the first regions 108 and 508, therefore signal 770 has a relatively low value R1', indicating the absence of hair in the first regions 108 and 508. At T1, the user begins to wrap the hair around the body 104 and 504, and hair appears in the first regions 108 and 508. Therefore, signal 770 undergoes a first change ΔR1, specifically, increasing from R1' to a higher value R2'. This indicates the presence of hair in the first regions 108 and 508. The user continues to wrap the hair around the body 104 and 504, and at the second time T2, the hair has completed a full circle around the body 104 and 504. Therefore, signal 770 undergoes a further change ΔR2, specifically, a further increase from R2' to a higher value R3'. This indicates the presence of additional hair in the first regions 108 and 508, and therefore the hair bundle has completed a full circle around the body 104 and 504. Based on two changes ΔR1 and ΔR2 in signal 770, control unit 120 determines that the number of hairs wrapped around body 104 is one.

[0080] More generally, in the example, the control unit 120 may be configured to determine the number of hairs wrapped around the body 104, 504 based on a first change in a first signal indicating the presence of hair at the first regions 108, 508 and the number of one or more further changes in the first signal, each further change indicating the presence of additional hair at the first regions 108, 508. For example, the first change may indicate the initial engagement of the hair bundle with the body 104. Further additional changes may then indicate that a corresponding full rotation or loop of the hair bundle has been completed. For example, if there are three distinct, consecutive, cumulative changes (e.g., an increase) in the first signal, the control unit may infer that the hair has completed two full rotations or loops around the body 104, and therefore there are two wraps of hair around the body. More generally, the control unit 120 may determine that if there are n such changes, the number of wraps around the body is n-1. As described above, in these examples, each region extends only partially around axis A (e.g., less than 180 degrees or less than 90 degrees around axis A). This helps to allow changes in one or more signals to be reliably mapped to the number of hairs wrapped around the body 104.

[0081] Refer to the above Figure 7 In the described example, the number of hairs is determined based on multiple variations of signals indicating the presence of hair in a first region 108, 508 extending along axis A of the elongated bodies 104, 504. However, in other examples, the body may have a second plurality of regions distributed along axis A of the body. For example, refer to Figure 8a The image shows a hair care appliance 802 according to another example. Hair care appliance 702 can be used in conjunction with the above reference. Figures 1 to 7Any hair care appliance described in any example is identical or similar (i.e., it may have at least some or all of the same or similar parts or functions), except that the body 804 of the hair care appliance 802 has a second plurality of regions 808, 810, 812 distributed along axis A of the body 804. In this example, the sensor arrangement 812 is also configured to output a second plurality of signals, each signal indicating the presence of hair in a corresponding region of the second plurality of regions 808, 810, 812. Specifically, in this example, the sensor arrangement 812 includes three sensors 814, 816, 818 arranged in a row along axis A of the body 804. The first sensor 814 is located in the first region 808, the second sensor 816 is located in the second region 810, and the third sensor 818 is located in the third region 812. In this example, the control unit 102 is configured to determine the amount of hair wrapped around the body based on changes in each of the second plurality of signals. This can provide improved sensitivity in determining the amount of hair wrapped. For example, distributing multiple regions along axis A of the body 804 can reduce the number of variations in any particular signal for a given number of hairs wrapped around the body. Therefore, the sensitivity and, consequently, reliability of the control unit 120 in detecting any particular signal variation can be improved. In the example, to curl hair, a user can wrap a hair bundle 830 around and along the body (i.e., around and along axis A of the body 804) such that the hair bundle becomes a spiral (as shown in Figure 8). In this case, each complete rotation or loop of the hair can occur at a correspondingly different location along the axis of the body 804. In this case, distributing multiple regions along axis A of the body 804 can help improve the sensitivity in determining the number of wraps.

[0082] In this example, the control unit 120 can be configured to determine the amount of hair wrapped around the body 804 based on a change in one of a plurality of signals indicating the presence of hair at one of a plurality of regions 808, and the number of changes in one or more of the corresponding other signals, each of the one or more changes indicating the presence of hair at a corresponding location in regions 810, 812. As described above, in this example, to curl the hair, a user can wrap a hair bundle around and along the body, causing the hair bundle to form a spiral shape. It should be noted that the curling typically begins at the end of the body facing the handle 806. Reference Figure 8b It shows the relationship with Figure 8aThe graph represents the associated signals in each of the second plurality of regions 808, 810, and 812 of the main body 804. Specifically, a first signal 880 indicates the presence of hair in the first region 808, a second signal 882 indicates the presence of hair in the second region 810, and a third signal 884 indicates the presence of hair in the third region 812. A first change (specifically, an increase) ΔR1' in the first signal 880 at a first time T1' represents the initial engagement of the hair with the main body 804. Since the hair strand partially overlaps with the second region 810, the second signal 882 also increases slightly at T1. A subsequent change (specifically, a subsequent increase) ΔR2' in the second signal 883 at a second time T2' represents the first complete rotation or loop of the hair 830 around the main body 804. A further subsequent change (specifically, a subsequent increase) ΔR3' in the third signal 884 at a third time T3' represents the second complete rotation or loop of the hair 830 around the main body 804. Based on the three consecutive increases in the signals, the control unit 120 infers two wraps of hair around the main body 804. It should be understood that any number of zones and signals can be used. A specific example is six zones and their corresponding signals.

[0083] In some examples, the control unit 120 may alternatively or additionally determine the amount of hair wrapped around the body based on the sequence of multiple signal changes. For example, as described above, during normal use of the hair care device, the hair begins to wrap around the body from the end closest to the handle 806 and moves towards the end of the body furthest from the handle 804. Therefore, in Figure 8a and 8b In the example, under normal use, the first signal 880 should not change after the second signal 882 changes, and the second signal 882 should not change after the third signal 884 changes. Therefore, in some examples, the number of hairs wrapped around the body 804 can be determined in response to the determination that changes in the signals occur in a certain sequence. For example, in the example above, the sequence would be that the third signal does not change before the first or second signal changes, and the second signal does not change before the first signal changes. Changes occurring in a different sequence could indicate the presence of an object other than the currently wrapped hair bundle (e.g., other nearby hairs) at one of the regions 808, 810, 812, so determining the number of wraps based on these signal changes might be inaccurate. In this case, the control unit can restart determining the number of hairs wrapped based on subsequent changes in the signals output by the sensor arrangement 808.

[0084] In some examples, control unit 120 may be configured to control the operation of hair care appliances 102, 502, 802 based on a determined amount of hair wrapped around the body. As described above, this can be a supplement or alternative to controlling the operation of hair care appliances 102, 502, 802 based on a determined direction of hair wrapping around the body. For example, control unit 120 may be configured to control feedback device 124 to provide feedback to the user based on a determined amount of hair wrapped around the body 104, 504, 804. For example, control unit 120 may compare the determined amount of hair wrapped around the body 104, 504, 804 with a predetermined amount of hair, and control feedback device 124 to provide feedback to the user based on this comparison. For example, if control unit 120 determines that the amount of hair wrapped around the body 104, 504, 804 is less than or more than a predetermined amount of hair, or is not within a specific range of a predetermined amount of hair, control unit 120 may control feedback device 124 to communicate to the user that the current amount of hair wrapped is inconsistent with the predetermined amount of hair. If the determined number of wrapping strands matches the predetermined number of wrapping strands, or is within a specific range of the predetermined number of wrapping strands, the control unit 120 can control the feedback device 124 to provide the user with first feedback indicating that the number of wrapping strands matches the predetermined number of wrapping strands. This can prompt the user to stop wrapping the specific hair strand around the bodies 104, 504, 804. If the number of wrapping strands is higher or lower than the predetermined number of wrapping strands, the control unit 120 can control the feedback device 124 to provide the user with second feedback indicating that the number of wrapping strands does not match the predetermined number.

[0085] In this example, the predetermined number of wraps can be input by the user into the user interface 126, and the control unit 120 can set the predetermined number of wraps accordingly. In this example, the control unit 120 can determine the predetermined number of wraps based on a specific hairstyle, for example, selected by the user or otherwise input into the input interface 126. For example, it is possible that, depending on the specific hairstyle, the hair should be wrapped around the body 104, 504, 804 a specific number of times. Therefore, the control unit 120 can set the predetermined number of wraps to a specific number of wraps based on the selected hairstyle.

[0086] In some examples, bodies 102, 504, and 804 can be removed from main units 106 and 806, and feedback can instruct the user to replace bodies 104, 504, and 804 with bodies of different diameters. For example, a hair care appliance may include main parts 106 and 806 and multiple attachments that can be attached to the main parts, each attachment including bodies 104, 504, and 804, around which hair wraps during use. Control unit 120 can determine that the amount of hair wrapped around the body is greater than the desired number of curls, for example, much greater and / or always greater than the desired number of curls. In this case, control unit 120 can control a feedback device to provide feedback to the user that they or should use a body with a larger diameter to achieve the desired number of curls. This can prompt the user to exchange the current attachment for another attachment with a larger diameter body 104, 504, or 704. Conversely, the control unit 120 can determine that the number of hairs wrapped around the bodies 104, 504, 704 is less than the desired number of curls, for example, much less and / or consistently less than the desired number of curls. In this case, the control unit 120 can control the feedback device to provide feedback to the user that they can or should use bodies 104, 504, 804 with smaller diameters to achieve the desired number of curls. This can prompt the user to exchange the current attachment for another attachment with a smaller diameter body. This can guide the user's interaction with the appliance to achieve the desired curls or style.

[0087] In some examples, control unit 120 may be configured to determine the length of the user's hair based on the determined number of hairs wrapped around bodies 104, 504, 804 and the circumference of bodies 104, 504, 804. In these examples, the circumference or a representation of the circumference of bodies 104, 504, 804 (such as the diameter of the bodies) may be stored by control unit 120, determined by control unit 120 based on the identity of bodies 104, 504, 804, transmitted to control unit 120 by bodies 104, 504, 804, and / or input by the user using input interface 126. The length of the hair can be calculated by multiplying the circumference by the determined number of wraps. In these examples, control unit may be configured to determine a hairstyle to recommend to the user based on the determined length of the user's hair and control feedback device 124 to provide feedback indicating the determined hairstyle. For example, if it is determined that the user has long hair, a style involving a relatively large number of curls may be recommended to the user. The user can select this style, and as described above, a predetermined number of wraps may be set accordingly. Other examples are possible.

[0088] As described above, in the examples, hair care devices 102, 502, 804 include a heater 121 configured to heat at least a portion of the bodies 104, 504, 804. In some examples, the control unit 120 may be configured to control the heater 121 to heat at least a portion of the bodies 104, 504, 804 to a specific temperature based on a specifically determined amount of hair wrapped around the body. For example, “newer” hair, i.e., relatively recently grown hair, may be more susceptible to damage from high temperatures, while “older” hair, i.e., hair grown a relatively long time ago, may be able to withstand higher temperatures without damage. Therefore, in determining that there is a relatively large amount of hair wrapped around the bodies 104, 804, the control unit 120 may infer (or calculate based on the circumference of the bodies 104, 804 as described above) that the curled hair is relatively long. Thus, the control unit may infer that at least the portion of hair near the handles 106, 806 of the hair care devices 102, 802 is relatively “older” hair. In this scenario, control unit 120 can control heater 121 to heat at least a portion of the bodies 104, 804 facing the handles 106, 806 to a relatively high temperature. As another example, a person's hair length may vary, with shorter sections of hair being "newer" than longer sections. Control unit 120 can be configured to determine that the current amount of hair wrapped around bodies 104, 504, 804 is less than the amount of hair wrapped in one or more immediately preceding wrapping scenarios. Therefore, control unit 120 can infer that the currently wrapped hair strand is shorter and therefore newer, and can thus control heater 121 to heat bodies 104, 504, 804 to a relatively low temperature to avoid damaging the newer hair.

[0089] Refer to the above Figures 1 to 8b In the examples described, the main bodies 104, 504, and 804 may be attached to the main parts 106 and 806 of the hair care appliances 102 and 802. However, it should be understood that this is not necessarily the case, and in some examples, the main bodies 104, 504, and 804 may be integrated with the hair care appliances 102, 502, and 802.

[0090] The examples above involve a specific number of regions; however, it should be understood that other numbers of regions may be used in other examples.

[0091] Refer to the above Figures 1 to 8bIn the described example, the control unit 120 is included in the hair care appliance 102, and specifically in the main part 106 of the hair care appliance 102. The hair care appliance 102 also includes a sensor arrangement 112 located in an attachment 104 attached to the main part 106; however, this is not always the case. For example, in some examples, the main body 104, sensor arrangement 112, and control unit 120 may be located in an integrated hair care appliance 102. As another example, the main body 104, sensor arrangement 112, and control unit 120 may all be located in an attachment 104 of the main part 106 of the hair care appliance 102. As yet another example, one of the sensor arrangement 112 and the control unit 120 may be located in the attachment 104 of the main part 106, and the other may be located in the main part 106. It should be understood that other configurations may be used. Furthermore, it should be understood that in some examples, the control unit 120 may, in principle, be located anywhere and may be provided separately from other components of the hair care appliance 102. For example, multiple signals can be transmitted to and received by control unit 120 via a wireless connection with sensor arrangement 112, and / or determination results from control unit 120 can be transmitted to and received by hair care appliance 102 via a wireless connection, which can then, for example, control the operation of hair care appliance 102 based on the determination.

[0092] refer to Figure 9 The diagram illustrates a control unit 922 according to an example. The control unit 922 may have the same features as the one referenced above. Figure 1Features identical or similar to those described in Figure 8 for the control unit. In this example, the control unit 922 includes an input interface 923, an output interface 925, a processor 927, and a memory 929. The input interface 923 may, for example, receive multiple signals, each indicating the presence of hair in a corresponding area of ​​the body of the hair care appliance, as in any of the examples described above. These signals may be received from a sensor arrangement 928 configured to output multiple signals. These signals may be received via wired or wireless means. The processor 927 may be configured, in combination with the memory 929, to determine the direction in which the hair wraps around the body based on the multiple signals, as in any of the examples described above. For example, the memory 929 may store a computer program that, when executed by the processor 929, causes the processor to receive multiple signals and determine the direction in which the hair wraps around the body, as in any of the examples described above. The output interface 925 may be configured to output the determination as needed to a separate controller (not shown), for example, configured to control the operation of the hair care appliance. In other examples, the control unit 922 may be configured to control the operation of the appliance in response to the determination of direction. In these examples, output interface 925 may be configured to output control signals or commands to components of the hair care appliance, such as feedback interface 924 and element 926 for guiding the generated airflow, in order to control the operation of the appliance (e.g., according to any of the examples above). These control signals may be transmitted via wired or wireless means.

[0093] refer to Figure 10 The present invention illustrates a method for determining the direction in which hair is wound around the body of a hair care device, the body having an axis around which the hair is wound, and the body having a plurality of regions distributed around the axis. The method includes receiving a plurality of signals in step 1080, each signal indicating the presence of hair at a corresponding region among the plurality of regions. For example, the plurality of signals can be based on the reference above. Figures 1 to 9 Any of the examples described. The method includes, in step 1082, determining the direction in which the hair wraps around the subject based on multiple signals. For example, this determination can be based on the above reference. Figures 1 to 9 Any example described. For instance, the method can be described by control unit 120 according to the above reference. Figures 1 to 9 The method can be executed using any of the examples described above. In some examples, the method may include references to the above. Figures 1 to 9 Any features described (e.g., those in the reference above) Figures 1 to 9 The steps corresponding to any function of the example control unit 120 described.

[0094] While specific examples have been described, it should be understood that these are merely illustrative examples, and various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A hair care tool, comprising: The main body has an axis around which hair wraps during use, and the main body has multiple regions distributed around the axis; The sensor arrangement is configured to output multiple signals, each signal indicating the presence of hair in a corresponding region of the multiple regions; and The control unit is configured to determine the direction in which the hair wraps around the body based on the plurality of signals.

2. The hair care appliance of claim 1, wherein the sensor arrangement is configured to output a first signal and a second signal, the first signal indicating the presence of hair in a first region of the plurality of regions, and the second signal indicating the presence of hair in a second region of the plurality of regions; wherein the first region and the second region are spaced less than 180 degrees apart about the axis; and wherein the control unit is configured to determine the winding direction of the hair around the body based on the timing of one or more variations of each of the first signal and the second signal.

3. The hair care appliance of claim 2, wherein the control unit is configured to determine the direction in which the hair wraps around the body based on: The time between a first change in a first signal indicating the presence of hair in the first region and a first change in a second signal indicating the presence of hair in the second region; and The time between a first change in a second signal indicating the presence of hair in the second region and a second change in a first signal indicating the presence of additional hair in the first region.

4. The hair care device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the first region and the second region are spaced apart at an angle ranging from 45 degrees to 135 degrees around the axis.

5. The hair care appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the body has at least three said regions distributed around the axis, wherein the sensor arrangement is configured to output at least three signals, each signal indicating the presence of hair in a corresponding region of the at least three regions, and wherein the control unit is configured to determine the direction in which hair wraps around the body based on the order in which the at least three signals change.

6. The hair care appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control unit is configured to: restart determining the direction of hair wrapping around the body based on the fact that the time between a change in one of the plurality of signals and a change in another of the plurality of signals is greater than a first threshold.

7. The hair care appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the control unit is configured to control the operation of the hair care appliance based on the determination of the winding direction of the hair around the body.

8. The hair care appliance of claim 7, wherein the hair care appliance includes a feedback device configured to provide feedback to a user of the hair care appliance during use, and wherein the control unit is configured to control the feedback device to provide feedback to the user based on a determined direction of hair wrapping around the body.

9. The hair care appliance according to claim 8, wherein the control unit is configured as: Determine whether the direction in which the hair is wrapped around the body matches the predetermined direction; and The feedback device is controlled to provide feedback indicating whether the determined direction of hair wrapping around the body matches the predetermined direction.

10. The hair care device of claim 9, wherein the hair care device includes an input interface configured to receive user input, and wherein the control unit is configured to determine the predetermined direction based on the received user input.

11. The hair care appliance according to claim 10, wherein, The input interface is configured to receive user input indicating the side of a person's head to be used with the hair care device, and wherein the control unit is configured to determine the predetermined direction based on the received user input indicating the side of the person's head.

12. The hair care appliance according to claim 10 or 11, wherein, The input interface is configured to receive user input indicating a style to be achieved by using the hair care tool, and wherein the control unit is configured to determine the predetermined direction based on the received user input indicating the style to be achieved.

13. The hair care appliance according to any one of claims 7 to 12, wherein the hair care appliance includes an airflow generator configured to generate an airflow and an element configured to guide the generated airflow around the body, and wherein the control unit is configured to control the element to guide the airflow around the body in a direction matching the determined direction in which the hair wraps around the body.

14. The hair care appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the sensor arrangement comprises a plurality of sensors, each sensor being located at a corresponding region of the plurality of regions and configured to output one of the plurality of signals.

15. The hair care appliance according to claim 14, wherein, One or more of the sensors are non-contact sensors.

16. The hair care appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein each signal comprises a time-series value, or the control unit samples each signal as a time-series value, and each of the values ​​indicates the degree to which hair is present in a corresponding area at a given time.

17. The hair care appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein one or more signals output by the sensor arrangement indicate the presence of hair at corresponding one or more regions, each region having a corresponding position along the axis; and wherein, The control unit is configured to determine the amount of hair wrapped around the body based on multiple changes in the one or more signals.

18. The hair care appliance of claim 17, wherein the control unit is configured to control the operation of the hair care appliance based on a determined amount of hair wrapped around the body.

19. A method for determining the winding direction of hair around a body of a hair care device, the body having an axis around which the hair winds, the body having a plurality of regions distributed around the axis, the method comprising: Receive multiple signals, each signal indicating the presence of hair in a corresponding region of the multiple regions; and The direction in which the hair wraps around the body is determined based on the multiple signals.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein, The method further includes: The operation of the hair care device is controlled based on the determination of the direction in which the hair wraps around the main body.

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